Page:Brinkley - China - Volume 1.djvu/192

 other a processional or ceremonial fan. The Rishi Tung Wang-Kung is also frequently attended by two boys, one of whom carries a peach, the other bears two rolls suspended from a long staff.

Reference has already been made to the Ki'lin or Ky-lin, which is at once a symbol of good government and of longevity, its term of life being supposed to extend to a thousand years. Mr. Franks notes that most of the animals commonly but erroneously called Ky-lin are other monsters, especially the fabulous lion of Korea, the true Ki-lin having the body and hoofs of a deer, the tail of a bull, and a single horn on his forehead.

The deer (luh) is also an emblem of longevity. A white stag frequently accompanies the God of Longevity, as noted above. It sometimes carries in its mouth another emblem, the fungus (to be spoken of presently). A deer, however, is also used as a symbol of official emolument or prosperity, having the same sound as the word for the latter (luh).

The hare (tu) is sacred to the moon, where the Taoists believe it to live, pounding the drugs that form the elixir of life. It is stated to live a thousand years, and to become white when it has reached the first five centuries. The hare, often miscalled a rabbit, occurs on porcelain both as decoration and as a mark.

The fox (hu) is considered a very mysterious animal. It is said to attain the same age as the hare, when it is admitted to the heavens and becomes the "celestial fox." It is used, but not frequently, in the decoration of porcelain as an emblem of longevity.

The tortoise (kwei) was also regarded as a supernatural animal and its shell was used in divination.